Sustainable development is a popular and important concept, but one that is open to a variety of interpretations. The Joint UNECE/Eurostat/OECD Working Group on Statistics on Sustainable Development (2005-2008) made a breakthrough in this area by reaching a common understanding on the principles of how to measure sustainability. It also started to develop a small core set of indicators that would be comparable between countries. The outcome of this work is presented in the publication on Measurement Sustainable Development issued in 2009.

Other International Agencies

The FAO works to defeat hunger. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information, and helps developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all. Its Latin motto, fiat panis, translates as "let there be bread".

"Ensuring and promoting sustainable development–which entails balancing economic growth, social equity and environmental protections–throughout the Western Hemisphere continues to be one of the chief objectives of the OAS. Through its Secretariat for Integral Development, the Organization oversees numerous projects and programs aimed at achieving concrete results. The OAS plays an important cooperation role in the Americas by helping member states formulate policies and execute projects aimed at improving the well being of its citizens."

"Worldwatch was the first independent research institute devoted to the analysis of global environmental concerns. Worldwatch develops innovative solutions to intractable problems, emphasizing a blend of government leadership, private sector enterprise, and citizen action that can make a sustainable future a reality."